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Health & Fitness

Detective Work: The False Alzheimer's Diagnosis

More than 100 other conditions, from vitamin and hormone deficiencies to rare brain disorders, can mimic Alzheimer's disease, experts say. Some are readily treatable.

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WSJ - Good News: It's Not Alzheimers

Meds that Mimic Alzheimer's

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Over 100 different drugs have side effects that can mimic Alzheimer's in some people. Among the most common:

  • Antihistimatines (Benadryl, diphenhydramine)
  • Sleeping pills (Ambien, Sonata)
  • Painkillers (Darvon, Toradol, Demerol, Naproxen, Aleve)
  • Anti-anxiety drugs (Valium, Librium, Halcion, Xanax)
  • Anti-psychotic drugs (Risperdal, Seroquel, Zyprexa)
  • Cholesterol drugs (Lipitor and other statins)
  • Older antidepressants (Elavil, Miltown, Tofranil)
  • Incontinence drugs (Detrol, Ditropan, Toviaz)
  • Acid-reflux drugs (Zantac)
  • Blood pressure drugs (Procardia, Adalat)
  • Tranquilizers (Serentil, Thorazine, Mellaril)
  • Heart drugs (Norpace, Lanoxin, Aldoril, Vasodilan, Cardura, Aldomet)
  • Stomach drugs (Bentyl, Levsin, Donnatal, Librax)
  • Parkinson's drugs (benztropine, trihexyphenidyl)

Source: American Geriatrics Society; Public Citizen; FDA

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